Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) - Acting Prime Minister Qubad Talabani along with Minister of Interior and Acting Minister of Peshmerga Affairs Karim Sinjari received US Assistant Secretary of Defense Robert Karem, heading a military and diplomatic delegation.

The two sides discussed the recent talks between the Kurdistan Regional Government and Iraqi Federal Government to resolve outstanding problems, including the pressing issues of resuming international flights from and to the Kurdistan Region airports, as well as payment of KRG civil servants.

The US delegation expressed support for continuation of these talks and for the settlement of all issues on the basis of the Iraqi constitution.

Continuation of  military training for the Peshmerga forces and strengthening of ties between the Kurdistan Region and the United States were also discussed.

Acting Prime Minister Talabani reaffirmed the readiness of the Kurdistan Region to expand negotiations with Baghdad to normalize relations, drawing attention to the important role of the United States in this regard.

Other topics including the upcoming elections in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and the post-ISIS situation were also discussed.